DDHS offers Microsoft certification for students

DELAVAN – In today's digital era, computer skills are a must in the job market,so Delavan-Darien High School will now offer students the opportunity to become Microsoft Office Certified, allowing them to prove they are career ready with some of most-used computer software applications on the sales market.

“So many positions in today's job market demand that students have these essential application skills,” said Cindy Yager, the district's director of careers and occupations.“Having this certification done while in high school puts our graduating students in a much better position vs. their peers from neighboring districts who were not afforded this excellent opportunity for career readiness. It's another tool in our toolbox that will prepare our graduates with desirable 21st Century skills in a highly competitive job market.”

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is partnering with Microsoft and offering grant funding so DDHS students in business education courses can take the Microsoft

Certification tests free of charge. Students can take the test after they have completed appropriate coursework and training.

Students prepare for the certification texts through the Microsoft IT Academy program, which provides DDHS with industry-leading curriculum and materials to help hone student technology skills.

The IT Academy offers participating school districts training resources on Microsoft technologies to help educators assist students in obtaining the skills needed to reach their academic and career potential. The program enables schools to:

• offer quality technology curricula to help its students acquire skills on current Microsoft technologies;
• provide rich online learning resources to its students and educators;
• ensure its students graduate with the Microsoft technology expertise required to be successful in today's job market;
• prepare its students and educators to earn Microsoft Certification credentials;
• and provide professional development opportunities for its educators.

Delavan-Darien High School is one of 234 secondary schools in Wisconsin to participate in the Microsoft IT Academy through the DPI grant.

In addition to being certified in the standard Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Powerpoint, Excel), students will be able to work with Microsoft's software and game development tools, Windows server applications, Visual Studio app development software and more.

For more information visit: http://dpi.wi.gov/itacademy